Luke 10:5-6
Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The disciples were instructed to first declare peace, not as a casual greeting, but as a purposeful decree of God's blessing and a prayer for their well-being. This act of declaring peace was meant to be the very foundation of their mission, setting the tone for how the message of the Kingdom would be received.
Jesus is sending out seventy additional disciples, giving them specific instructions for their mission. Before they go into the towns to proclaim that the Kingdom of God is near, Jesus tells them to bless the houses they enter with a prayer for peace, a common Jewish greeting that carries a deeper spiritual significance. This initial blessing is also tied to whether the inhabitants are receptive to the message of peace and the Kingdom.
When Jesus sent out his disciples, he gave them a very specific first instruction upon entering a home. It wasn't about 'what to say' in a typical greeting, but a powerful declaration. What makes this 'peace' so significant?
Jesus instructed his disciples, 'Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ This wasn't just a casual 'hello.' In the ancient Near East, a greeting was a profound statement, often carrying wishes for well-being and prosperity. For the disciples, this 'peace' carried an even deeper meaning.
A Blessing, Not Just a Greeting
This 'peace' invoked by the disciples was a prayer for God's presence and favor to rest upon the household. It was a declaration that wherever they went, they were bringing the blessing of God's kingdom. It was the very first act, establishing the atmosphere and intent of their mission before any teaching or healing began.
Jesus told his disciples to speak peace before anything else. Why was this the initial step, even before reproof or teaching?
The disciples were going into new territories, as 'lambs among wolves.' Before confronting any potential resistance or sharing the full message of the Gospel, Jesus wanted them to establish a spiritual foundation.
Setting the Stage for the Kingdom
By declaring 'Peace be to this house,' the disciples were acting as emissaries of God's kingdom. This wasn't about initiating a debate or imposing their will. It was about invoking God’s favor, creating an openness for His message to be received. It was a prayer for the salvation and well-being of the household, preparing their hearts to hear about the King.
Understand the original words
eirēnē · Greek Noun
A Hebrew concept (Shalom) extending beyond mere absence of conflict; it represents wholeness, prosperity, harmony, and well-being in a right relationship with God.
huios eirēnēs · Greek Noun Phrase
A person characterized by a state of peace, receptivity, or being in a right relationship with God, particularly one who is open to the message of the Gospel.
eirēnē · Greek Noun
A Hebrew concept (shalom) encompassing not just the absence of conflict, but total well-being, prosperity, harmony, and reconciliation with God and others. In the New Testament, it is the blessing of salvation brought by Christ.
This passage highlights that 'peace' was a traditional and expected greeting in ancient Near Eastern culture, setting the stage for Jesus' instruction.
Matthew 10:13This parallel account from Matthew describes the same directive to the disciples, emphasizing the importance of invoking peace upon entering a home.
1 Samuel 25:6Here, David uses the phrase 'And thus you shall greet him who is alive, and thus you shall greet his household,' showing 'peace' as a comprehensive blessing for a person and their entire household.
Romans 10:15This New Testament passage quotes Isaiah, connecting the feet of those who bring good news of peace and good things to the spread of the Gospel, mirroring the disciples' mission.
1 Peter 3:11Peter exhorts believers to 'seek peace and pursue it,' underscoring the vital importance of peace as a core value and goal for followers of Christ.
vincentLuke 10:5: "And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house."
Peace to this houseThe usual oriental salutation. See Judges 19:20.
clarkeLuke 10:5: "And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house."
Peace be to this house - See on Matthew 10:12 (note).
The disciples were instructed to first declare peace, not as a casual greeting, but as a purposeful decree of God's blessing and a prayer for their well-being. This act of declaring peace was meant to be the very foundation of their mission, setting the tone for how the message of the Kingdom would be received.
Jesus is sending out seventy additional disciples, giving them specific instructions for their mission. Before they go into the towns to proclaim that the Kingdom of God is near, Jesus tells them to bless the houses they enter with a prayer for peace, a common Jewish greeting that carries a deeper spiritual significance. This initial blessing is also tied to whether the inhabitants are receptive to the message of peace and the Kingdom.
Jesus is sending out seventy additional disciples, giving them specific instructions for their mission. Before they go into the towns to proclaim that the Kingdom of God is near, Jesus tells them to bless the houses they enter with a prayer for peace, a common Jewish greeting that carries a deeper spiritual significance. This initial blessing is also tied to whether the inhabitants are receptive to the message of peace and the Kingdom.
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"Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you." — The disciples were instructed to first declare peace, not as a casual greeting, but as a purposeful decree of God's blessing and a prayer for their well-being. This act of declaring peace was meant…
